As Homecoming week reached full swing, students gathered in the War Memorial Student Union Park for free gumbo, cupcakes, music and more at Gumbo Ya Ya.
The celebration of food and fun was on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featured an appearance by the 2012 Homecoming Court, a cake cutting ceremony with President John L. Crain and Homecoming 2012 King Jordan Leggett. Jacy Carpenter, 2012 Homecoming Queen, was not present due to her current service in the United States Air Force.
“It’s so hectic this week, but it’s great to be back and serving the student body during Homecoming Week,” said Leggett, a senior vocal performance major. “It also pumps me up to know that our football team is going into their game with a great record, and the court this year is a great representation of our campus; everyone has great passion.”
Cutting the cake is one of the last acts as Homecoming King for Leggett; the final act is passing his crown down to the next Homecoming King and naming the next Homecoming Queen during halftime in the football game against the University of Central Arkansas (UCA).
In addition to the free gumbo and cupcakes, several student and Greek organizations gathered in the park offering activities, bake sales and craft sales to the hundreds of students shuffling through the crowded park.
“I really enjoy the variety of events on campus during Homecoming week, and the free food doesn’t hurt either,” said Joseph LeGrange, a junior communications major and track distance runner. “I think the campus just comes alive during Gumbo Ya Ya and during Homecoming week in general.”
While many were focused on eating their gumbo, the hot topic of discussion was the upcoming game against UCA.
“I’m definitely planning on going to the game,” said sophomore communication major Lindsey Gros. “The food is great and this is really fun; it brings the school together.”
The party was hosted by the Campus Activities Board and members of the Division of Student Affairs, who provided and served food and drinks to the students.
“The weather was beautiful, the food was great and plenty of students showed up; it just had a very festive atmosphere,” said Assistant Vice-president for Student Affairs Jim McHodgkins. “I think we have a great chance of winning against this team on Saturday, but we need the fans out there. This could be a great win for the university, and the students should be there to experience it.”